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Let's change how country treats citizens

Posted on Jul 27, 2012 at 12:00 a.m.

Marriage equality is a human right.

There is nothing more to it than that. And because it is in fact a right that should be shared by us all, our community needs to understand that a "separate-but-equal" idea base is not for America and is not for Minnesota.

Putting the marriage amendment in our state constitution is hurtful and unnecessary. Voting "no" will not change current Minnesota laws, but voting "yes" will put a stain on Minnesota. Voting "yes" is stating that we Minnesotans side with bullies. Bullies whose personal beliefs outweigh the freedoms of all other Americans.

It is only a matter of time before America comes out and realizes how sad it is that in this day and age; that in the land of the free we have laws against love. In the 1960s interracial marriage was illegal in much of our great country, but we fought for marriage equality then and won. Some people said that interracial marriage is unholy, and that same ignorance is what drives the supporters of this amendment.

Marriage in our society goes far beyond the sanctuary and into the everyday lives of all Americans. America was founded not on the belief of one religion, but on the idea that we are all entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The separation of church and state must be upheld.

I believe that sometime in the conceivable future all Americans will be allowed and encouraged to marry their loved ones. Federal laws will protect all Americans from the discriminatory policies placed by bigots. We will do what is right and not withhold human rights from our friends, neighbors and loved ones. We will see the worth in everyone, and the love that we should all have for each other will finally exist.

Voting "yes" denies the freedom and positive future that Minnesotans and Americans deserve. Voting "yes" to this amendment is wrong and frankly un-American.

Minnesota has the unique chance and responsibility to change how our country treats its citizens. We need to stand up and fight for the right side of history and vote "no" this November and lead America into the future free of hate and discrimination. What is more Minnesotan than helping others and changing things for the better? Vote "no" this November and stand up for freedom.